While I understand what is happening the book, with Tom on the quest to put myth and story back in its proper place, I don't understand why. Further, I care less and less with each issue. We no longer get moments with the characters as the story plows along from one set piece to the next. Since Pullman's death nearly a year ago the book has lost its way and needs to find a resting point. Good characters are wasted and uninteresting characters are being featured. For instance, Shrdlu is killed in this issue and he has been the most entertaining piece of the story for several issues. Didge and Mr. Useless have been featured, and continue to be featured, prominently... and they are boring as all hell. All in all, I stick with this book so I can see the end. It occasionally manages a good moment or two, but isn't holding up well over the last year.